Letter: Special report - Life is a gamble, so play your best

Life is a gamble and it’s up to each and every one of us to play the hand we are dealt to the very best of our ability.

I hope that in the not too distant future it will be possible for Jess to move her thinking to a more positive mindset and to rise to this particular challenge in her life. I hope she will be able to feel pride in her achievement in being able to take responsibility for looking after her own health and wellbeing.

I live with a family member who has to eliminate all dairy and yeast – I am aware of the care that has to be taken when it comes to shopping and eating out and the frustration this can cause.

On the plus side there are numerous options available for many dietary conditions and the new and alternative lifestyle soon becomes second nature. With thought and forward planning it is also possible to eat a much healthier diet.

Planning meals every day is a skill for life and something the majority of us do as a matter of course.

I would also like to think that Jess will be able to feel positive in having a condition that can be self-managed and that hopefully will not require too much medical intervention.

This situation with regard to feeling that we have the right/entitlement to prescriptive care is, in part, a result of a nanny state where we are discouraged from thinking for ourselves and taking responsibility for what happens in our lives. It is also disappointing that the coeliac societies appear to put so much emphasis on the importance of gluten-free products.

I wish Jess every success in adapting to her new lifestyle.

Judith Walton

Ashville Close, Harrogate